How to Build a Kitchen Cart (page 2 of 2)

Made from durable, lightweight cedar wood, this rolling cart adds valuable extra prep space to the kitchen. Follow these steps to build your own kitchen cart.

Here's How To Build It:

Step 1: Cut Legs page 1
Step 2: Position Legs on Plywood page 1
Step 3: Cut Supports for Legs page 1
Step 4: Reinforce Legs page 1
Step 5: Attach Supports to Legs page 1
Step 6: Fasten Legs to Plywood page 1
Step 7: Attach Casters to Legs current page
Step 8: Add Center Support current page
Step 9: Cut and Attach Slats current page
Step 10: Affix Cutting Surface current page
Step 11: Frame Cutting Surface current page
Step 12: Finish Cart current page

Step 7: Attach Casters to Legs

Attach four casters using 12-gauge screws, one to the bottom of each leg. Using two locking and two non-locking casters will keep your cart stationary while cutting.

Step 8: Add Center Support

Cut another 2x2 cedar baluster to use as a center support. This will line up with the two higher side supports and rest on the two lower side supports. Secure it to the lower side supports with glue and 2-inch screws.

Step 9: Cut and Attach Slats

Rip additional 2x2 cedar balusters in half to use as slats for a shelf. How many you’ll make will depend on the size of your cart. Glue and pin nail these slats to your center and side supports.

Step 10: Affix Cutting Surface

Glue the surface of your cart perfectly in the center of the plywood (Image 1). This cart was made using a recycled piece of an old countertop, but you can also use butcher block or even an old cutting board (Image 2).

- Image 1
- Image 2

Step 11: Frame Cutting Surface

Again, take 2x2 cedar posts and miter the edges so they wrap perfectly around your cart surface, effectively “picture framing” it. Glue, nail and screw these posts onto the plywood, helping to lock the cart surface into place.

Step 12: Finish Cart

Fill in all nail and screw holes (the larger, countersunk holes with dowels), sand all wood surfaces, and rub the cart down with tongue oil (Image 1). Finish the cart by running a silicone bead between the cart surface and the 2x2 wood that is picture framing it (Image 2). This will stop any oils or spills from getting beneath the surface and ruining your cart.